Page 31 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MARCH 2025

4/2/25, 11:36 AM Ministry of Culture launches ‘Reading Ambassadors Initiative’ | Emirates News Agency
ambassadors’ success stories and best practices in integrating reading everyday life.
The ministry, in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and the Federal Youth Authority, will provide full support to the Reading
Ambassadors and highlight their efforts across various media channels. In addition, the ministry will designate creative areas within its Cultural Centres and
libraries, offering ambassadors a platform to present their projects and share their experiences in fostering a culture of reading. An annual forum will also be held
at the end of each year to showcase the achievements of the Reading Ambassadors.
The inaugural edition of the initiative features distinguished figures in the Writers and Pioneers category, including Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin
Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions, Dr. Sultan Al
Ameemi, writer, poet, Executive Director of the Poetry and Heritage Department at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, and Chairman of the Board
of Directors of the Emirates Writers Union, Asma Seddiq Al Mutawaa, Founder and Chair of Al Multaqa Literary Salon, Dr. Aisha Belkhair, Research Advisor at the
National Library and Archives, Fahad Al Memari, writer, researcher, and Chairman of the Board of the Emirates Library and Information Association, Maitha Al
Khayat, an internationally acclaimed author, illustrator, and trainer in children’s and young adult literature, and Mohammed Al Hebsi, writer, novelist, Director of
the Literature Department at the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
The volunteer category includes Hashem Al Wali, a trainer, writer, and social content creator, and Fatima Al Hammadi, a certified trainer and head of the volunteer
team “Al Dhafra Testahel.”
In the youth category, the initiative includes Shareena Al Suwaidi, member of the Abu Dhabi Youth Council; Hazza Al Shehhi, member of Ras Al Khaimah Youth
Council; Ahmed Matar, member of Dubai Youth Council; Yaqoub Al Baloushi, member of Sharjah Youth Council; Mohammed Ali Al Ali, member of Umm Al
Qaiwain Youth Council; Nasser Khalid Al Harmoudi, member of Ajman Youth Council; and Mohammed Abdulla Al Abdouli, member of Fujairah Youth Council.
Additionally, this category features Amna Al Mansouri, a school student and the champion of the UAE Arab Reading Challenge of 2023, and Ahmed Faisal Ali, the
champion of the UAE Arab Reading Challenge of 2024.
The children’s category features several members of the Emirati Children’s Parliament, including Shaikha Rowdah bint Nehayan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh
Nahyan bin Diab bin Saif Al Nahyan, Shaikha Shamsa bint Faisal Almualla, Khaled bin Hussain Alhammadi, Salem bin Mohammed Binham Alameri, Nouf Yasser
Mohammed, Matra Ibrahim, and Fatima Al Kaabi.
In her remarks, Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan expressed her delight in being part of the initiative and reflected on how her early
love of reading was inspired by her late father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan. She highlighted the profound impact of critical and interactive reading on
creativity and thought development, emphasising the importance of fostering reading as a natural and integral part of society.
She also praised the efforts of the Ministry of Culture in advancing the wise leadership’s vision by strengthening the cultural and intellectual foundations of future
generations.
Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi, a writer and poet, emphasised that reading is no longer merely a recreational activity or hobby but a key fundamental pillar in shaping
knowledgeable individuals who appreciate the value of science and culture, particularly in an era of rapid change and expanding knowledge.

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